It’s funny how quickly our perception of something can change. For years, owning an RV was mostly a hobby for older generations. At the same time, those with a passion for the great outdoors might use their motorhome to explore national parklands or camping adventures.
Most RVs have traditionally been viewed as second homes on wheels—places to unwind, relax, and enjoy the comforts of home. But today, more and more people realize that RVs can offer a whole lot more than that.
Not only can you travel the world in style, but you can also play games in your RV. You can play video games, board games, and even card games. Being on the road means being disconnected. It also means being far away from other people, making it hard to socialize.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while you’re on the road. Today, there are tons of games you can play in your RV—and even more that you can use to help pass the time while you’re on the road. Let’s discuss how you too can set up an RV game system.
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The Popularity Of RV Online Gaming
The popularity of online gaming has led to a new form of entertainment known as “online RV” or “lifestyle gaming.” This new gaming style is characterized by players who live in recreational vehicles and travel to different gaming locations to play games with other players online.
The most popular games for online RV gaming include first-person shooter (“FPS”) games such as “Call of Duty,” “Fortnite,” and “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.” The popularity of online games has led to a gaming community that is both passionate and dedicated to playing their favorite games.
How To Set Up Computer And Console In RV
Setting up your computer and console gaming system in your RV can feel like a David and Goliath situation. The sheer size and weight of these systems make them difficult to move around, and the limited space inside your RV makes it difficult to set up your system in the manner that you’re used to. But setting up your gaming system in your RV doesn’t have to be a hassle!
If you have an RV and want to set up your gaming console, here are some essential things you need to prepare.
Reliable Internet Access
Internet connection is one of the most crucial aspects you should consider if you want to install your gaming console in your RV. A reliable connection will help you download patches or updates, use DLCs, and enjoy playing single or multiplayer games online.
How you are living your RV life will determine your internet accessibility. One of your problems might be your internet connectivity. To help you out, here are some questions you should answer to determine your access to the internet:
- Do you plan to adopt an off-the-grid way of living and use your WiFi to access the internet?
- Will you be stealth camping or boondocking near the city where you can have free access to an internet connection?
- Do you plan to roam around near RV parks where free WiFi is available?
Staying In RV Parks For Free WiFi
The good thing about most RV parks is that they offer a good WiFi connection. But, it is important to know that the internet offered by RV parks is not free. In most cases, their internet cost is established to be paid on a monthly or weekly basis.
Although staying in an RV park to access the internet may be an excellent amenity for some, you must know that the connection might be slow as other RV users are connected to RV park Wi-Fi as well.
If you have played multiplayer games, you know how a poor internet connection can’t give you an enjoyable gaming experience. Downloading games, updates and patches take forever.
Use Mobile Hotspots
As we mentioned earlier, RV parks do not offer strong internet. In that case, it would be best to keep a mobile hotspot handy. Aside from boosting slow Wi-Fi in RV parks, you can use hotspots to play online during your off-the-grid trips.
The good thing about mobile hotspots is that you can use them easily and conveniently. This device will also allow you to enjoy gaming in areas where internet connection is completely unavailable.
In line with that, you also need to consider the plan of your hotspot. It would be best to get yourself an unlimited data plan to enjoy your entire gameplay without any interruptions. If you prefer to opt for a limited data plan, there is a high chance that you will run out of data and disrupt your gaming experience. Running out of data is more likely to occur, especially if you plan on playing games and streaming videos simultaneously.
It is important to keep in mind that streaming movies and videos on Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming platforms consume huge amounts of data. This means that limited data plans won’t be enough to give you a fully functioning and satisfying gaming station while you are in your RV.
Use Mobile Hotspot Routers
Mobile hotspot routers can be used as Wi-Fi without the necessary cables and cords you need to set up. Beyond that, this device can provide you good internet connection while retrieving and recognizing phone signals in a way that mobile phones cannot.
A good mobile hotspot is like a device that can work as a mobile phone plan specifically designed for modems. It works better than your mobile phones in receiving and transmitting signals. Beyond that, you don’t have to worry about uninterrupted connection since mobile hotspot routers continue to work when fully charged.
Installing a TV Mount in your RV
If you have owned an RV before, you know that they have tight and small spaces. So you may want to make your room more comfortable, especially if you plan to set up your RV gaming station.
Most RVs available for sale today feature a pre-built standard television. On the other hand, if you want to play games on a larger screen, installing a wider flat-screen TV would be best.
If you want to achieve a wider television screen, you may want to drill new holes into your RV. Before starting the project, you must first inspect the material quality of your RV. It would be best to drill holes into woods instead of drilling directly to your RV’s wall.
Most RVs available are made with composite or thin woods. Therefore, these mobile homes are designed to withstand common driving wear and tear situations. Despite being sturdy, drilling holes directly to RV’s wall may not be a good idea. This is because RV’s cabinetry and walls are not sturdy enough to handle large and heavy appliances, including a standard size television.
In general, pick a specific spot in your RV made with strong woods that can handle heavy and large objects. Ensure that it is sturdy enough to keep its integrity, hold the appliance in place, and can resist various road bumps without causing damage to the TV.
Final Thoughts
No doubt setting up your computer or gaming console in your RV could seem complicated and impossible. The truth is that the project can be done using basic know-how.
If this is your first time owning an RV, you are more likely to find setting up an RV game system difficult. But once you have finished the project, you can have a more satisfying and enjoyable stay in your mobile home. As long as you have good internet access, you can play your favorite multiplayer games all day long, just don’t forget to enjoy the views from time to time.
Hi I’m Tom! I have been a camper enthusiast ever since I went camping with my family as a kid, love everything that brings me closer to nature. Photographer, RV owner, husband and father, trying to help others interested in camping on this blog.